At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide hands-on HR support and guidance to managers in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Thorlabs, a global leader in optical technologies with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, health care, and 25 days holiday plus public holidays.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working in a new facility near the beautiful city of Ely.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact while developing your HR skills in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent experience, strong employee relations background, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The HR Business Partner (HRBP) provides practical, credible HR support to leaders and managers, enabling them to manage their teams confidently and consistently. This interim role is highly operational, and we are looking for someone who can hit the ground running and deliver immediate impact. The role places a strong emphasis on employee relations management, leadership coaching and the continuous improvement of people practices, supporting both day-to-day operational delivery and longer-term organisational effectiveness. The successful individual will have a strong background in a manufacturing or within an operational environment.
Working Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm (Hybrid working available)
Interview process: 2/3 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 30 minute Teams Values interview. Second stage: 1 hour Teams interview. Third stage: OnSite 2 hour interview.
What we would like you to do/ to see…
- Operational HR Support & Workforce Delivery
- Build effective working relationships with leaders through regular shopfloor presence
- Support managers
- Provide practical HR input into short‑term organisational changes
- Employee Relations & Case Management
- Provide hands‑on HR advice on employee relations matters
- Support and guide managers through ER processes, reinforcing policy compliance
- Leadership Support & Behavioural Standards
- Support line managers in applying expected standards of behaviour
- Provide practical coaching and guidance to managers
- Reinforce consistent decision‑making at manager level by clarifying policies, procedures and management responsibilities
- Participate in manager briefings, discussions
- Performance, Capability & Development Support
- Support the delivery of annual and mid‑year performance review processes
- Provide guidance to managers on managing underperformance and capability issues in line with policy
- HR Operations, Process Adherence & HRIS Usage
- Work closely with HR Operations to ensure consistent application of HR processes and procedures across teams and shifts
- Engagement, Communication & Change Support
- Support the communication and rollout of people‑related initiatives, policy updates and changes, ensuring managers understand what is required of them
- Provide HR support during short‑term change activity, including restructures, consultations and team changes
Requirements
- CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent experience)
- HR advisory or business partnering experience
- Strong ER background with experience in complex cases
- Experience working in fast‑paced or operational environments
- Ability to interpret data to support decisions
- Manufacturing, engineering or technical sector experience
- Experience implementing HRIS systems or digital transformation
- LEAN methodology training or exposure
- Strong understanding of UK employment law
- Excellent communication; clear, transparent, and supportive
What will you get?
At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.
And the benefits are?
Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.
Job Reference: THOR-VC-1926
Commitment bonus to be paid at the end of the contract if the relevant criteria has been met. Further information available from recruitment@thorlabs.com
This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.
All offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK.
We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.
Benefits
- Contributed Pension Scheme
- Group Life Cover
- Private Health Care
- Group Income Protection & more
Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail recruitment@thorlabs.com.
We are Disability Confident Committed.
In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.
HR Business Partner - Interim 6 Month FTC - 1926 in Ely employer: Thorlabs Inc
Thorlabs is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the picturesque city of Ely, just a short distance from Cambridge. With a strong focus on employee development through customised training and a commitment to continuous improvement, we provide our CNC Operators with the tools and support needed for career advancement. Our competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and vibrant workplace culture make Thorlabs a rewarding place to build your future in the optical technologies industry.
